iRacing Brings Back the Gen 4 Era — and We're All In

If you were watching NASCAR in the late '90s or early 2000s, there’s a good chance the sound of a screaming Gen 4 car still echoes in your memory. That era, steel bodied, raw, and ruthless, is one of the most beloved in stock car history. And now, thanks to iRacing’s latest season update, it’s back in the sim.

The fourth generation of NASCAR Cup Series cars ran from 1992 to 2007. During that 15 year span, the series saw a major evolution in both competition and technology. Gone were the boxy, carbureted beasts of the '80s; in came sleek silhouettes with more purpose built designs under the skin, even if they still looked (somewhat) like cars you could buy at the dealership.

This was the era of the Monte Carlo, the Taurus, the Intrepid, names that meant something when they rolled off the trailer. iRacing is bringing that back, not just in look, but in feel. According to the update notes, we’re getting a faithful recreation of the Gen 4 cars, complete with updated physics and handling that capture the raw, mechanical grip that made these machines so fun, and tricky to drive.

Chevrolet switched from the Lumina to the Monte Carlo in 1995, and gave it a major overhaul for the 2000 season. That car absolutely dominated early in the decade. Remember the 2003 Daytona Speedweeks? Monte Carlos swept the top spots, with Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jr, and Kevin Harvick all finishing in the top five in season standings by year's end. That’s the kind of history this update is tapping into.

Ford fans aren’t left out either. The Taurus took over from the beloved Thunderbird in 1998, with a new look rolled out in 2000. Matt Kenseth’s 2003 season in the No. 17 Taurus is the stuff of consistency legend. One win, sure, but he never gave up that points lead after Atlanta in March. That run locked up the last Cup title before NASCAR shifted to the playoff format.

The Gen 4 era wasn't just fast, it was the bridge between old school and modern NASCAR. Drivers still had to muscle the car, manage wear, and fight aero push without the help of too much tech. The cars were dangerous, unpredictable, and had real character. And that’s exactly what sim racers are getting now.

For longtime NASCAR fans, this is more than just a nostalgic throwback. It’s a chance to relive (or finally experience) one of the greatest chapters in stock car racing, in full, wheel to wheel detail. Expect to see the Gen 4 Cup car popping up across hosted sessions, leagues, and maybe even a few throwback series before long. ("NORA?" National Oval RacingAssociation 2004 Retro Series)

Push The Edge will absolutely be putting these cars through their paces. Whether you were raised on the sound of a screaming Monte Carlo or you’re brand new to what made this era special, get ready, because the Gen 4s are back.